Israeli Foreign Minister Regrets Statements By Naveh, Defense Ministry & Army Chief Of Staff Order Immediate Investigation

2006-02-22

www.petra.gov.jo/nepras/ 2006/Feb/22/30933700.htm

Feb. 22 (Petra-Jordan News Agency)-- Foreign Minister Abdul Ilah Khatib on Wednesday received a phone call from his Israeli counterpart Tzipi Livni expressing her regret over the statements made by Israeli Commander Gen. Yair Nave. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz and the army Chief of Staff have ordered immediate investigation on the issue. " Israel views Jordan as a strong and stable country, with a glorious heritage and tradition and a promising future," said a statement issued by the Minister of Defense and the Army Chief. The statements by Nave don't represent in any way the Israeli formal policy, Livni said, expressing her apology for such statements.

Earlier in the day, Jordan Charge d' Affaires in Tel Aviv Omar Jamil al-Nadif lashed at Naveh's remarks describing them as "irresponsible". "The Israeli government should take the appropriate measure against this army officer for his words which show lack of discipline and understanding," Nadif said in a statement to Petra. " If something is not taken to correct these negative remarks ....it would have an adverse impact on Jordanian Israeli relations," Nadif added.

"The remarks attributed to the Commanding Officer of the Central Command MG Yair Nave do not reflect in any way whatsoever the official policy of the State of Israel," said the Defense Ministry statement. "Israel wishes to express its deep gratitude and appreciation to the vital contribution of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to regional peace and stability," the statement said. It added "the Minister of Defense and the Army Chief of Staff instructed an immediate enquiry of the issue."

In his remarks the Israeli general warned about and "Islamic axis" extending from Tehran to Gaza and could cross to Jordan to affect the regime there.

Petra/ Injadat 222251 Local FEB 2006

Source: IMRA – Independent Media Review and Analysis